So there’s an actor that I really like. I came across an article from a few years ago describing an event for which he was criticized. The brief article focused on the fact that he had screamed “Get the f**k out of here!” to some fans in a pub. The young fans said that they were just trying to get a photo with the actor. By the way the article sounded, he was a complete jerk.

But then you can read further (it’s always important to read further) and hear the rest of the story.

Mr. McAvoy was at the pub celebrating his mate’s birthday. I didn’t see the name of said mate but needless to say it was that guy’s night. Well, maybe not needless to say, because the girls who later complained about his behavior towards them apparently kept approaching Mr. McAvoy and requesting he take a photo with them. He denied their request because he was there celebrating his mate. My understanding is that Mr. McAvoy didn’t want to make the night about him and take the focus off of his friend. He was accused of being a jerk but really he was being a good friend and, in all honesty, most humble.

Not being there, I obviously can’t pass judgment. I will say that, in general, if someone asks me for something that I have already declined several times, I’m probably going to have an emotional reaction. Add some beer to the mix and it could definitely seem like I was an ass.

So here is what I would like to think would have happened if I saw Mr. McAvoy in a pub celebrating his mate’s birthday.

Me: Excuse me, Mr. McAvoy. Would you mind taking a photo with me and my friend?

Mr. McAvoy: No, I’m out with my mate, celebrating his birthday.

Me: Oh! Sorry. Then could you please take a picture of my friend and I with your mate?

Then I would have a photo taken with his friend (who I would definitely ask his name and definitely bought a drink for before I left them alone to celebrate) by Mr. McAvoy.

That’s how I would like to think it would happen. More likely it would be like this.

Me (to friend): Oh shit. I think that’s James McAvoy.

Friend (most likely wife): Do you want to go ask him for a picture?

Me: [turning bright red] Oh God, no. I could never…

But who am I kidding? It would go like this.

Me & wife sitting at home watching Mr. McAvoy on a movie on TV because there’s no way we could afford to go to Scotland.